A middle aged man identified as Chidiebere Emmanuel Ogah, has gone into hiding after he was allegedly engaging in same-sex relationship.
Ogah was said to have been caught red-handed having amorous affair with another man, Victor Kenneth, in his residence in Ogbunabali area in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Thursday, November 2, 2023.
Homosexual activities is considered an abomination and a crime in Nigeria. In January 7, 2014, then President Goodluck Jonathan criminalized same sex relationship in the country. Under the terms of the law, anyone who enters into a same-sex marriage or civil union can be sentenced to 14 years in prison while any such partnerships entered into abroad are deemed void.
When our reporter visited the scene of the incident, most of the neighbours declined to speak to the press. However, the only person who volunteered to speak pleaded anonymity.
According to the eye witness, Ogah, who is married with a child, was caught pant down having sex with his friend, Victor, at his home unaware that his wife’s elder brother, Emeka, was watching from the window and took videos and pictures of the encounter.
“Chidi didn’t know that his in-law, Emeka, was suspecting him and monitoring his movements. So on that faithful day, Emeka broke into the room, confronted Chidi and his Victor, and alerted the neighbours. People quickly gathered and started beat them mercilessly especially Victor. I’m still surprised that Victor survived that mob action. For Chidi, nobody knows how he escaped that day; some people even claimed that he used ‘juju’ (magic) to disappear from the scene”, said an eyewitness.
Ogah’s family has also been affected by the incident, with his father reportedly passing away from a heart attack after hearing the news of the unfortunate incident.
According to a close relative who’s privy to the happenings in the Ogah’s family, “Chidiebere’s father had a heart attack after hearing the story about his son being a gay. He was taken to the hospital for medical care but didn’t make it; he was confirmed dead by doctors shortly after they arrived the hospital. Because of the father’s death, the community is not happy with him. In fact, the vigilante and community leadership are seriously looking for him to perform some sacrifices to cleanse the land.”
Meanwhile, the police had on Monday, declared Ogah wanted for his alleged involvement in bisexual relationships and gay activities.
“We appeal to Nigerians to be good citizens and contact the police with any useful information that will lead to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of Chidiebere Emmanuel Ogah for running foul of the law of the land”, the police had said in a statement.
As the news of the incident spread, the suspect’s family and friends were being subjected to harassment and intimidation.
One of Ogah’s friends identified as Chike who shares a workshop with him at Block C, number 24, Garrison Market, Port-Harcourt, confirmed the harassment by the police and other security agents; and expressed concern for his own safety.
“I’m worried about my safety too”, Chike lamented. “I am not safe because police and other security agents have come here several times looking for Chidi. I’m afraid If they can’t find Chidi, they will come for me.”
As at the time of filing this report, the Ogah’s whereabouts were unknown, and it is feared that he may be in danger.
